HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V on Monday called on Filipinos to reject pro-China candidates in the upcoming May midterm elections, citing Beijing’s escalating aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Ortega’s call came after reports that a Chinese vessel deployed a sonic device against a Philippine Coast Guard ship near Zambales. The device, which emits deafening noise, posed serious risks to the health and safety of Philippine personnel.
Describing the incident as “an audacious act of aggression,” Ortega warned that continued tolerance of China’s actions would endanger the country’s sovereignty.
“This is no longer just about the West Philippine Sea—it’s about our future as a nation,” Ortega said. “Supporting candidates who are soft on China is the same as endorsing the harassment of our Coast Guard and the exploitation of our natural resources.”
The sonic attack, the first of its kind in Philippine waters, signals a dangerous escalation in Chinese hostilities.
Beijing has consistently fortified its presence in the disputed waters, using militia vessels, water cannons and now acoustic weapons to intimidate Philippine forces and fishermen.
“Bawat Pilipino ay dapat magtanong: Pahihintulutan ba natin na kontrolin ng China ang ating mga desisyon? O pipiliin natin ang mga lider na ipaglalaban ang ating soberanya at hindi magpapadala sa mga dayuhang mananakot?” Ortega said.
He noted that China’s aggression is not only a territorial issue but also an economic one.
“This is about oil, gas, and fish that belong to Filipinos. Electing leaders who sell out our patrimony for political gain is a betrayal of our nation,” Ortega pointed out.
“Ang ating soberanya ay hindi ipinagbibili. Kung may mga kandidatong handang sumanib sa interes ng China, wala silang karapatang tumakbo sa anumang posisyon dito sa Pilipinas,” he added.
Ortega urged voters to treat their ballots as a weapon of defense against foreign encroachment.
“A vote for pro-China candidates is a vote against the heroes who fought for our independence, the fishermen fighting for their livelihood, and the Coast Guard risking their lives to protect our seas,” he said.
He reminded citizens that democracy thrives on accountability.
“We must elect leaders who put the Philippines first—leaders who champion our flag in every forum and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our people in adversity,” Ortega stressed.
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